ISRF Mid-Career Fellowship Competition (MCF4)

The Independent Social Research Foundation wishes to support independent-minded researchers to explore and present original research ideas which take new approaches, and suggest new solutions, to real world social problems.

Please read these details carefully – and consult the FAQs – before commencing an application or contacting the ISRF with a query.

This competition will close at 4pm (GMT) on 16th February 2018.

2018/02/16 16:00:00

PLEASE NOTE: A Political Economy Fellowship (PERF2) competition is running concurrently. Eligible applicants may submit an application for each competition, each containing a discrete project proposal. Such applications will be considered individually – however, multiple awards will not be made to the same applicant. Political Economy applications should not be submitted for MCF4.

Eligible Applicants

Scholars from within Europe† are eligible to apply. Applicants will normally hold a salaried position at an Institution of Higher Education and Research. Candidates should be 10 years or more from the year of their PhD award. However, a shorter time from PhD award may exceptionally be considered, if the candidate has other qualifications to be considered as mid-career (these might include: length of appointment to permanent post, seniority, teaching responsibilities). Career breaks may also be taken into account. The awards are intended as providing full relief from all teaching duties and all associated academic administration for a period of (up to) one year; applications may be made by those whose sole or principal post is a part-time equivalent.‡

† There is no limitation on nationality- however, we are unable to consider applications from those whose home institution is not within Europe.

Eligible Research

Innovative research which breaks with existing explanatory frameworks so as to address afresh empirical problems with no currently adequate theory or investigative methodology. Innovation may also come from controversial theoretical approaches motivated by critical challenge of incumbent theories. Interdisciplinarity in the generation of new investigative initiatives may be achieved by combining, cross-fertilising, and so transforming empirical methods and theoretical insights from the social sciences. Projects ranging across the breadth of the social scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary research fields are welcome, and relevant applications from scholars working within the humanities are also encouraged.

Duration and Timing

The awards are intended as providing full relief from all teaching duties and all associated academic administration for a period of up to one year, and must be taken up no later than end of December 2019.

Value

The amount of an award depends on the nature of the work proposed and individual circumstances – the ISRF expects applications for grants up to a maximum of £60,000 or €67,500† to buy-out the cost of all teaching and associated administration in the applicant’s home institution for up to 12 months. Within that sum, reasonable support for research expenses may be considered on a matched-funding basis with the host Institution.

† PLEASE NOTE: Applicants based in the UK must apply in GBP (£), up to the limit of £60,000. All other applicants must apply in EUR (€), up to the limit of €67,500. These amounts are fixed as of 1st January 2018, and will not be adjusted in the event of GBP/EUR currency fluctuations.

Terms & Conditions

The ISRF reserves the right to extend the deadline for the competition. A short final report will be required. Award holders may be invited to present their findings in person to the Foundation’s academic representatives. ISRF’s support to be acknowledged in all public presentation of research. Full Terms & Conditions governing awards will be provided to successful applicants in their formal offer, based on the draft general terms and conditions available on the ISRF website. Formal acceptance of the award must be completed by the end of December 2018.

Joint/Group Applications

The competition is open to individuals who wish to undertake a piece of original research. Where more than one researcher wishes to seek funds for the same project, each person should submit a separate application and clearly demonstrate what his or her specific contribution to the project will be. Each application will be treated on its own merits, and applicants should be aware that the Committee may decide not to fund either or all individuals seeking funds for the same project.

Applications to Other Funding Bodies

Applicants may apply without prejudice to other funding bodies. If applications for identical projects were successful it would be expected that only one award (i.e. either the ISRF or another) would be accepted. If applications for either wholly or partly different projects are successful there should be no duplication in the budget headings funded by the ISRF and another body.

Institutional Approval

Applicants must confirm that their home institution is aware of their application, and should provide the contact details for the relevant Administrative Officer. Should your application progress, this Officer (Institutional Approver) will be asked to confirm, on behalf of your department and institution that:

You will be granted the period and proportion of time requested in the Duration and Timing section;

If replacement costs are requested, you will be in receipt of your normal salary during tenure of the award and the institution will provide cover;

If research expenses are sought, this request has the support of the head of department/school and institution, who will confirm that these will be matched.

Therefore, it is advisable that you ensure that your Head of Department is in agreement with the content of your application before you submit.

Application Procedure

Applicants are expected to submit their complete application electronically via the online application system, in English.

Completed applications must arrive no later than 4:00pm on 16th February 2018. Letters of Support must arrive, by email to applications2018@isrf.org, direct from the supporter, no later than 23rd February 2018.

A candidate may submit only one application.† Applicants can expect to be informed of the result of their applications by email by the end of July 2018.

† Political Economy applications should be submitted for the Political Economy Fellowship (PERF2) competition running concurrently. Eligible applicants may submit an application for each competition, each containing a discrete project proposal. Such applications will be considered individually – however, multiple awards will not be made to the same applicant.